“I don’t need to be on LinkedIn, I have Facebook and a website isn’t that enough?” or … “I don’t think my clients use LinkedIn so I probably don’t need to pay much attention to it, right?” WRONG. WRONG. wrong. (ok I’ll stop yelling at you).

The truth is LinkedIn has been supporting its users for a longer time period than Facebook Twitter and Instagram. And more importantly for those looking to network and develop business connections, LinkedIn users know the platform as the professional social networking site.

LinkedIn, much like your business website, is your online business card and resume in one!

Be sure to make it look great.

If you want to stand out on LinkedIn you have to treat it like you actually care what people think about it when they look you up!

The top 3 things to do TODAY to help your LinkedIn Profile:

Replace your boring or non-existent business cover photo

Rewrite your headline and treat it like a billboard

Rewrite your personal summary so it doesn’t sound like a job description from the 1990s

You can do these things yourself, you really really can, but if you don’t want to or know you won’t — let us help you!

Why You Need A Branded LinkedIn Cover Photo

This is a must. LinkedIn even gives you the exact size that will work in that area so you can upload an image that won’t cut your logo in half or your head off of your headshot. Not sure what you should include? Make sure your cover banner tells a story! If you’re still not sure what to do… we’re happy to create your LinkedIn banners for you!

What Your LinkedIn Headline Should Say

Your LinkedIn headline really should answer the question: “Why Should I Care?” That’s the question people who look at your profile are asking themselves. Because there are so many people doing what you’re doing (most likely) but none of them is YOU! So make someone understand why they should care and what makes you a badass and the subject expert in your industry! Here are some great tips for writing your LinkedIn headline.

What Your LinkedIn Summary Shouldn’t Say

Do yourself a favor and do a quick search for the most over-used words to describe yourself. Or, trust me, just avoid things like: “Results-oriented professional,” or “Motivated self-starter” or “Skilled at managing cross-functional teams.” Everybody is sick and tired of this say-nothing zombie language. Write the way you speak! Your writing will be more interesting and more powerful when you do.